Blast from the Past: 2003 Kawasaki ZX-6R
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2023
- Kawasaki's 'B1H' ZX-6R was launched at a time when screaming 600s ruled the world. It was the first production road bike to have upside forks and radial brakes. It went like stink, too. This video looks back at its unveiling in MCN, the world launch and a few random reminsces of life as a road tester at the time. Enjoy. Neevesy.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I remember this day! At this time,, it was sport bike Heaven in Southern California. Sport bikes were everywhere! An amazing era. I’m glad I experienced it. At the time I had a CBR954RR. Later I bought the 2013 ZX-6R. That Isle of Mann video Kawasaki had on their website made me a believer!
I bought a 2004 Zx6rr with 2800 miles on the clock last year, it’s as new, an unbelievable find.
How much was it?
@@laz1go286 you will not believe what I paid for it, I bought it off a friend who’s brother owned it and sadly died of cancer, my friend let me have it for £2000.
@@zxrcolsorry for his loss. Happy for your gain. Hope you enjoy it‼️😁
I bought a 03 ZX6RR new and still have it! Didn’t realize it was so rare. Thanks for the info.
I remember reading that, back in the day.
Enjoyed the trip down memory lane.
I had a blue 2004 ZX-6R with full Muzzy exhaust. Still the best looking ZX-6R ever made and one of best looking sportbikes ever for me. Great engine, gearbox, suspension and it was a wheelie monster.
Should have never sell it
There's a ZX6RR on eBay for £4500 with very low mileage. I rode this model ZX6R when it came out the same day I rode the CBR600RR and at the time owned a GSXR600K1. I didn't buy either but kept the K1 until trading it for the K5 600. From 2000-2009 I was mad on supersport 600s. What great times and like you say every 2 or sometimes 3years the Japanese released a brand new model not just a slight update. I owned a SRAD a K1 and K5 GSXR600. Each was a giant step up from the model it replaced. I would love another just for track days but as much as I love the ZX6R it would have to be yet another GSXR600. All those early naughties 600 were brilliant though.
Oh my word. I remember that issue of MCN.
Can’t believe, it’s 20 years ago 😳
I love these retrospectives but they leave me a little melancholy about the past when every year seemed to bring exciting change. At a recent track day, a coach I was riding with mentioned that his ZX6 was 16 years old. In 2003, a 16yo Kawasaki would have been an '88 Ninja 600 w/16" tires and 84hp!
I bought my 636 b1h in 2009 and still have one. Before as a daily A to B machine. On hold now to save milage. I will ride occasionally. Ninja is so beautiful and I decided to keep it. Light and quick handsome sexy bike😍
That 16 page article about setting up your own suspension, mentioned on the front cover of of the Aug 28, 2002 edition of MCN, sounds interesting!
Ha! I passed my bike test in 2005 and bought one of these 2 years old as my first bike. Bought on eBay (auction) for £3k. Ran it (loved it) for 3 years and sold it in 2008 for….£3k. I’ve seen them 16 years later for over £3k. Amazing depreciation numbers 😃
"I'm gonna get a free crash helmet and they're gonna paint it..." 😆😄 You're living proof, Neevesy! Sometimes dreams really do come true. ☝️👍
This bike and both the 2002 Z1000 and the 2004 ZX10R were all styled by Shunji Tanaka. He previously worked on the Mazda Miata design team before Kawasaki hired him to invigorate their styling.
That bike made such an impression when it came out, I've wanted one ever since. Last year I stumbled on an '04 RR for €3k, the owner had owned it for many years and it had sat in the back of his garage, he had no idea what it was! It needed a good going over but is almost ready, I can't wait to take it out... Still think it's one of the best bikes Kawasaki have ever made, and I don't care the R version has 36cc more 🙂 Still looking for the adjustable swing arm collars, just for the hell of it 😝
What a cracker of a comment at the 10 minute mark. Talking about the fact bikes were becoming better at steering and more stable but with disappointment saying they were much harder to wheelie. 👍
I love my '05 ZX6R, and I'm really glad they're bringing it back!
Another great trip down memory lane, much appreciated for recording this Neevesy. That power to weight is just perfect for british b roads. I had a ZX-6RR for a few years and always thought the standard ZX-6R might even make a better road bike due to a touch more mid-range and torque. A silver lining if you can't find an RR?
Halcyon days, Neevesy. You should dig out the edition of MCN headlined "Pan's People" from a couple of years earlier if I remember.
Still one of the most beautiful Kawasaki's ever build.
Great content. Had a z1000sx for two years. Very smooth but very high geared. 👍
Had? As in past tense? Why did you get rid of the 1000sx?
It was the beginning of a new wave of carefully planned and styled machines from Kawasaki.
I bought the 2004 ZX10R in Candy Thunder blue. After waiting for a worthwhile replacement for my ZXR750L2.
I still have both machines to this day!
This bike holds a special place for me it was my first ever step up from lam scheme here in Australia absolutely loved it and can't wait to find one that is reasonably priced to put in my shed alongside my 09 zx6r and my 22.
I've worked in the motorcycle industry for close to 10 years now and I wish my job was as cool as yours! And it's good to hear you had great colleagues as well!
Ooh Mr Neeves, love it when you get all anoraky 🥰
I race a 2005 ZX6RR, still a great bike even these days
Great vid mate!
I'm currently rebuilding an 09 zx6R from a high side. (wasn't me)
It's so cool to here about the original one. I kinda like the shape of the 03 model the most.
I did hear that they were prone to head shakes and tank slappers as they didn't come with a steering dampener from factory. The 09 has a nice Ohlins dampener so that is sorted.
Many of these bikes dissapeared not only through crash write offs but also because they were an excellent platform for stunt riding.
So many people converted them, and abused them like there's no tmrw..
The good old days when 600's were a proper class..
I still believe that they are the perfect amount of power and size even today for road riding..
Love my 09 6R😁
Enjoying your channel very much.
I have the 2001 zx6r and a thundercat and they are both reasonably comfy sport ish bikes.
Keep up the good work.
I almost bought a zx6r from that era a year ago and for less money,I got myself zx12r instead. Zx12r is so underrated
The first motorcycle to come with wings lol
Fascinating content, even for those that didn't get into Super Sports. Thanks, MN.
I purchased the first model ZX6R, traded a Daytona 900. Fitted the race kit, cams and springs from memory, and a full titanium Muzzy exhaust. That thing was so comfy for a sports bike and could do high speed on gravel roads in safety, due to 160? Rear tyre. Used to travel 6 hours home every Friday and back again on Sundays nights. My fav bike until I got now a MT10.
Mick, MCN we’re so astute at choosing you as the new motorcycle journalist via competition at the time.
As said previously you also made it happen and you are still the most relevant, down to earth, and believable journalist in the industry for my money and definitely for most other petrol propelled two wheel protagonists! 😎
God bless ya!
@@neevesybikes I had to laugh because back then I rode the ZX-6R and it was a gutless turd under 8 grand like them all. I ended up buying the first Z1000 naked with the 4 pipes. It was so comfy and not handling well but bonkers back then for a laugh. Even by 2003 I was old enough to be over 1,000cc sportbikes. Oddly enough in 2009 I picked up a 1,300KM MINTER 2006 ZX10-R and holy shit was that thing bipolar. Only recently sold it. It was a jet. But that 2003 600 sportbike was bloody awful! Great vids mate. Keep my nostalgia trip coming.
I bought the Honda 600 RR in 2003, the changed it for the CH1 in 2005, the extra punch was what made me switch, still own it, but gets ridden less and less as the years have gone by, none of my friends have a sports bikes these days, 350 miles last year, did 16,000 miles on my other bike a BMW S1000XR, do still like it which is why I still own it.
Rode one few years ago absolutely bang on to ride fast nimble an they just scream beautiful bit of kit ❤
I had the CBR600 from that era. The bike that really taught me a lot about swift road riding.
Shame i never liked a green bike.
Ninjas do come in different colors😊. Mines candy surf blue with diablo black. Smokin hot. 💥
@@pitchforkpeasant6219 that sounds good!
I'm now eyeing up the new GSX-8R as I'm getting a bit old, bad back, bad wrists etc.
Bit down on power but comfort means I'll use it much more 👍
Remember test riding one in 2003 from Shirlaws when I lived in Aberdeen, main memory is actually the sound it made!
Love it mate 👍😁
Admittedly I wouldn't have minded pictures posted up when you mentioned each bike to get a visualisation of the bike of the topic. As personally I'm not familiar with every bike mentioned and of what year it came from.
But this could just be me.
Perfect example of this is at 2min 36sec. Where the picture helped tie it all together.
Lol funny you did the vid nevs, I just bought a 2004 636 for the track 😂. They are wicked pocket rockets
Whatever happened to 750 sports bikes? I always viewed the 750cc as the best of all worlds, with 600 being too cramped (for me) and 1000 being over the top. The 6R just never appealed to me, even the younger me.
After R1 showed up, Gixxer 1000 followed and that was it, everyone switched to 1000s.
And as after R6 appeared the 600s became more and more refined and the 750s were in kind of limbo, pointless. You either wanted fine 600 or real full on 1000.
SBK clack also soon switched to 1000s.
There were some liter twins as a distraction but they also got outgunned by the 4 cylinder thousands. Only Ducati and then KTM made big 1200cc twins for short time after that.
Really enjoying this series of videos. I’ve been listening to them whilst out walking to recover from two damaged discs in my back which means I can’t ride my k7 750 at the moment. At some point I need to consider something more upright for the roads. What would be on your short list for an upright position for 4-5k? I’m 5 foot 6 with short legs and quite fancy a speed triple but it may ultimately come down to comfort to keep me riding. Many thanks and keep up the good work.
the only problem it eats gearboxes :) 2nd and 3rd gear , you just miss once and the drum is toast , but brilliant bike im keeping mine altough itsbeen garaged for 8 years now . also removing secondary butterflies woke up the bike , it made for more brutal accelleration .
Yo tengo la zx6rr 2004 con 31.000km es espectacular.
The first 636 was the A1P with carbs bigger ram air not through the stock similar to the j model, the B1H sitting position was more exposed to the wind consequently less too speed.
The A1P brakes tokiko six pot calipers rather than four, no fancy electronics with chock and not even a fuel gage, all the settings are in your right wrist.... the last of the greats! I have a late 02 from new mint and original she's a dream ❤
I've recently purchased an Italian expensive V twin vibrator with all the trimmings and hold for dear life after eighty mph In contrast with the smooth ninja who you can do a roll-up on 120😂
I was going to trade her in.... but she's going nowhere!!!
Thanks for the videos Neevesy, it's lovely being reminded of the good old days of sports bikes and how it was exciting being a biker in my 20's...
So my question is, I have come back from a 10 year hiatus from biking and have had a plethora of different types of over the years not limited to sports bikes but have come back and purchased another Blade but this time an 07 HRC variant that's been nicely spec'd and loved by the previous owners. My issue now is that I feel it's maybe a little old compared to the technology that's now available on newer models, although it appears to have been dyno'd at around 175'ish bhp and I don't have any rider aids. Should I be looking at something newer with all the bells and whistles or is the last of the "non abs/ rider aid" bikes worth sticking with considering how hugely expensive new bikes are now???
Looking forward to more videos 👍
The torturous,non adjustable clip- ons are bolted in place at the triple clamp..the funky size pointy front tire wears fast. A modern tire size fits but it will handle sluggish.."kleen air" switch is cool.. fast,sounds sweet,killer looks,fast..
Hey Neevesy! Another great vid - I love your channel and always look forward to the next instalment!! ***Question*** I’ve got a V4 Pikes Peak, ride it road (all year round) and track (first outing with the fast group tomorrow…). I’m currently using the standard fit Rosso IVs (3rd iteration has one more track day left in them), use the full tyre on track (scrape the pegs) and have chewed up both edges. I’m wondering whether I could get away with a ST tyre - Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE? I seem to recall you rated them highly and it would be great if they could do wet winter UK roads as well as Donington. Keep up the great work; some of us would be lost without your content. Cheers! Ridge.
Another fascinating vid. I recall the launch of this bike but not that it was so advanced oddly. Although I guess if the manufacturers were updating them every couple of years it blurs in to one 21 years later! So Michael, do you think they'll be a supersport resurgence of any sort or are Kawasaki a one man band on this?
I want to hear more about your H2SX!!!!
Great vid, thanks Neevsey.
Here's an idea that would make a brill feature in MCN.......how about taking a bog standard reader along on an all expenses paid new bike launch at an exotic, far away overseas circuit, so they can rag a manufacturer's latest whizbang-rocket-hypersportsbike around the track, burn up their tyres, scoff and guzzle as much free grub 'n booze as they can, fraternise with the lovely local ladies, and then report back on what it's like to live the dream and be a billy big bollox bike journo if only for a day/weekend! Great idea ehh?? 😂😂
May I put myself firmly at the front of the queue please Mr Neeves? Ta mucker.😉 hehe.
Any chance you could do one on the ZX7R? Must be one of the top 90s icons even though it's a heavy old hector and was always a bit of an underdog :) (and yes you guessed, I have one)
Oh mate. Front cover. Bazza. I will beat cancer. Great vid as per.
The Honda Cbr600rr didn't get usd forks or radial brakes until the 2005 model.
Hi Neevesy - great to see a new supersport bike on the market. Ironically, I’m in between minds about selling my 2014 Daytona 675r and getting something a bit more adventurous, like a 2017 (ish) KTM Superduke Adventurer R. Partly because my wife wants something more comfortable for whenever she ventures out with me, but also because it’s hard to get the most out of a superbike or supersport bike on the road without taking silly risks*). I rode the new Ducati Multistrada and didn’t fall in love with it - it felt like I was going from a car to a van. I just didn’t trust it on windy roads (mind you I had to pay Ducati a €2k deposit to test ride it so perhaps that was holding me back from getting the most out of it). 44T took the Superduke Adventure R on track and Fagan raved about it, so I’m wondering if it offers a more sporty feel. Basically, I’m looking for the Audi RS6 of bikes. What would you recommend?
*Of course, I still get a great buzz from pushing the 675r on, but I only enjoy it on a sunny weekend morning (less traffic), which this year have been few and far between. Recently I’ve found myself taking it out between rain showers which has started to spoil it for me!
I’m 32, for what it’s worth.
As always, nice to see and hear you. Have you had a chance to test the new Streetfighter v4s? If so, I would like opinions on whether it is very different from the 2021 model. I am planning a purchase and I am wondering whether to buy a used one or add money and buy a new model
Another interesting video. Been thinking of getting some kind of bike from this era as a reminder of better times and a bit of a project. Would be interested to hear your suggestions for such a bike. Not too tech heavy, common enough to be available at good price and have loads of spares, comfortable for a sportsbike, etc. Guess we won't be getting a how to vid on adjusting our swing arm pivots anytime soon though, eh?!😉
Get a Gixxer 600-750 k5-k6 they're comfy IMO
Hi Neevesey, love the video's! This one was a great watch as I had a B1H as my first bike back when I passed at 17 years old.
I've got a question, I'm currently racing a CBR600 with Bemsee with the goal of obtaining my ACU national licence in the next couple of season's. I've recently toyed with the idea of swapping the CBR for a 1000cc and moving into MRO/Clubman 1000 for next season, I absolutely love the Crossplane Crank R1 ever since it's launch in 2009 so my mind is set on it having to be an R1. The obvious model to move up to would be the 2015+ Model as everybody describes how it corners like a 600 with it's outstanding edge grip and impressive electronics so the transition to this bike would probably be the easiest but this model would really stretch my budget with the cost of racing. The other option is to go for the older and cheaper 2009 14B model, what is your view on using this bike for club racing? Will I find it too big and heavy or is it actually a capable bike once the suspension etc. is sorted?
Look forward to hearing what you think
Tom
Any chance you could make these available as a podcast Neevesy? I would love to listen whilst I spend hours driving every week.
💥💥💥
The 05 is the best 636 made and the fastest. Mine did 114whp stock.
My first bike was a silver 2003 zx636. Bought it brand new, loved that bike. and would smoke my buddys honda cbr600 f4. And my other buddy's r6.
A B2H 6-R would be perfect right now
I just bought my first sportsbike. 2004 Ninja zx6r replaced all fairings, tires and swapped out rear shock for one of a 2013 zx6r. Only because i heard the stock rear shock is just straight rubbish....lol my name is also Keith
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Still think the 2002 J2 is a brilliant point to point weapon thats actually almost comfortable. Love the look of the big nose too.
This is the bike Kawasaki should bring back.
I had a ZX6R J2; I loved that bike and it wasn’t too cramped. Similar looks to the ZX9R of the time which was also a brilliant bike (but I couldn’t afford one!)
Sorry to say…but the only ICON is the Hayabusa . Respect for all the bikes! ❤❤❤
Bollocks
😂🤦🏼♂️
No the mighty ZX9r is the best bike ever made 😎
Hey i’ve got some questions. Is the bike a good choice even though if it had 50.000+ km on the clock? I’d like to buy one as my first bike, is it recommended or would you say that i’d be off better getting a 400c?
Which bike, mate?
Had a one of these it was amazing 😎😎😎😎😎🙌handled like nothing else
Absolutely killed my wrists tho unless you were flat out 😂😂😂😂
Would you tell us the story of the bikes getting taken on tour in Naples?
this half an hour felt like 2 minutes.
Hey Neevesy.
Can you do one of these on the 2004 ZX10r? I’ve still got one and can’t bring myself to sell it because it gives me more of a buzz than newer sports bikes I’ve owned and ridden
I’ll put it on the list 😊👍
@@neevesybikes thanks mate, I live not far from Phillip island and I still give it a regular rip around there. The short wheelbase, lightness and lack of TC really keeps you on your toes
@@matt-iu1ci I bet it does! I’m jealous.
The 2003 is first zx6r to have efi.😊
🥷 2004🏆💚🫡
Top lad listen to the man makes sense on bikes I've got a challenge for you mcn boys how about trying the bike riding camera boys that do the tour de france .why don't you boys go ask how they do it have a go with a bloke on the back sitting backwards with a big camera see what it's like to ride in this circus.see what they do to their bikes ( balast) gearing bet it's not an easy job.soending 8 hours in saddle riding with those cycles up down mountains.theres a challenge for you boys
Never got championships ? What did Keenan win on then ?
You’re dead right. I was more thinking about this model. 👍
Every time I see this bike it’s in stunt form 🤮 lol I never see these on the road in regular form
I miss the days when motorcycles and cars weren't safe. I miss the days before bureaucratic tyranny and one-think. I miss the days before central bankers devalued money to the point of oblivion.
Dammit. Every time you post a video I immediately down tools and watch it. You're a distraction.